FG donates 50,000 doses of Anthrax vaccine to Lagos

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), has donated free 50,000 doses of anthrax vaccine to Lagos State Government to mitigate the spread of the Anthrax disease to animals and humans in the state.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, gave the donation on behalf of the Federal Government during a courtesy visit to the state’s Ministry of Agriculture at the State Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, said the donation of the vaccine would fast-track vaccination of animals against Anthrax disease and ensure that the butchers sell healthy meat as well as safeguard the livestock sub-sector.

Umakhihe, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Veterinary and Pests Control Services, Dr. Abdulkareem Durosinlorun, said that Anthrax, an infectious zoonotic disease caused by bacteria, affects both domestic and wild animals and can also affect human beings, especially those working closely with infected animals.

He pointed out that the bacteria, which exist as spores, can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals.

He added that animals could be infected when they breathe in or ingest spores in contaminated soil, plant, or water, noting that humans could also get it when they inhale or breathe in the spores, eat contaminated meat, or come in contact with the skin through wounds or cuts while handling a sick or dead Anthrax-infected animal.

Umakhihe appealed to the state government to embark on robust public awareness and sensitisation engagement among stakeholders towards prevention of the disease.

He emphasised the need to mount surveillance in slaughter slabs, abattoirs, livestock markets and at the point of entry in the state to detect the disease early before it spreads.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ibironke Emokpae, appreciated FMARD for its support in curtailing the spread of the Anthrax disease in the state.

Emokpae said: “Vaccinations have begun in the state and we have set up surveillance and bio-security at the point of entry of abattoirs in Lagos State to detect any ailing animal.

“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Health and promise to put in more efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Lagos State has developed a house-to-house vaccination campaign because it is an urban area where some people do urban farming. Lagos State is taking the vaccination campaign to urban livestock farmers.”

Also, the Country Team Leader, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Nigeria, Dr. Otto Muhinda, commended the state government for its initiatives in creating awareness of the disease and prevention measures already taken.